Challenges of Gettin' Fit

I'm not going to lie, getting fit is hard.  I read stories all the time about people who just started eating clean and fell in love with it and never looked back.  I'm not like that.  I actually LOVE brownies and sweets and chips.  I've tried to just not eat them, but that doesn't work in my life.  So, I'm here to figure out what being fit means for me. 

I love working out.  Over the years I have learned to fall in love with running.  It didn't start that way.  It actually started quite the opposite.  I hated running when I first started.  My husband would go for a 3 mile run, which at the time I thought was so stinkin' far (you might too), while I would go to the gym and do the elliptical or do some sort of a fitness class, but you would NEVER catch me running. 

One day, I decided that I would try to run with my husband.  It was horrible.  I thought I was going to die as we "ran" those 3 miles.  I knew he was in better shape than me, even though I probably spent more time working out than he did.  You would think that I would have taken up running at that point, but nope.  I stuck to my workout classes and gym routine.  That was UNTIL, my son was born.......

Fast forward to after I had my first child, and time was precious.  I knew that heading out the door for a run was the biggest bang for my buck.  Yes, I still hit the gym for my favorite fitness instructor's classes, but I added running to my routine throughout the week.  I started with just trying to run 3 miles.  I ran, I walked, I jogged, you name it, but I made it through those 3 miles.  I swore that I would NEVER run farther than that.  Why would I need to?  Well, as I ran more, it became easier (after a LOT of time) and I started to think that MAYBE I could do a longer race some day.  I signed up for a half marathon and completed it.  My time was great, but I finished and I was so proud of myself. 

Over the years, running has now become my go-to fitness.  I have completed a handful of 5ks, three 15ks, five half marathons and two marathons.  Never in a MILLION years did I ever think I would run that many races, but I have. 

My point in all of this is that fitness and nutrition doesn't start out as just a breeze.  If it was, wouldn't everyone do it?  YES!  It's quite the opposite, it starts out HARD.  It is difficult as we first dig in.  I think that's why so many people give up and just say, "forget it."  BUT, this time, I don't want to just say forget it.  I see the difference that just adding in cross training adds to my running and I see the strength in my core as I begin to do BeachBody workouts.  I want to continue that with the food that I put in my mouth. 

So, where do I start?  Well, about 3 weeks ago I said I was starting the 21 day fix.  I did complete the workouts, but the nutrition....I'll just say, old habits die hard!  SO, once again, I'm digging in and starting again.  Why is this going to make a difference?  I am going to post my menus every day along with some motivation for you too!  Leave your comments and tell me what YOU want to read.  What will help YOU stay accountable to YOUR plan?  Where do you struggle?  Nutrition?  Fitness?  Both?  Knowing WHAT to eat?  Let me know!